Container



T. HANSEN Dec. 10, 1946.

CONTAINER 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed July 27, 1945 T. HANSEN` Dec. 10, 1946.

CONTAINER Filed July 27, 1945 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 I lllllllllllll n n l//frilnafrlfflvfrrfrnl rf Patented Dec. l0, 1946 Thorwald Hansen, Duluth,- Minn., assignor of one- Y half to Ole Gisvold, Minneapolis, Minn.

ApplicatloxrJuly 27, 1945, Serial No. .607.445

1ov calmav (ci. eos-37) My present invention relates to containers, and I more particularly to small divided or sectional containers, the compartments `of which may be separately and selectively opened and closed with' ease and by the use of the one hand in which the container is held.

Although there are various uses' to which a container ofthe type disclosed might well be adapted, certain characteristics and features lend it well to the piscatorial field without in'any way limiting its adaptations to many and widely varied arts and without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, and

' v Referring to the drawings of which there are j two sheets:

Fig. 1 is a perspective'view of a preferred `embodiment of my invention, indicating one way in which itis adapted to be held for effective one-handed operation and depicting a size suitable for use as a container for iish lures such as flies;

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the container shown in Fig. 1 drawn to a larger scale and having parts broken'away to show details of theI construction as will be more fully pointed out, the sectional or divided construction, together with other factors, make feasible its manufacture from a thin,v

' light, transparent plastic material admirably suited to use as a pocket size fly box in which fishermen carry a selected assortment of lures. In such an adaptation, the sectional construction',

transparency, strength of construction from light' material, andthe capability of easy and selective opening of the sections with but one hand are salient features.

It is a general lobject of my present invention to provide a sectionalcontainer, the dividing partitions of which serve as reinforcements to rigidify the structure and make feasible its construction from relatively thin, light weightlmal terial.

For another object the invention comprehends the provision of a container having a curved outer contour encompassed by an endless closure strip which is slidable to open and close the container.

Another object of my invention is to provide a container adapted to be made wholly or in part of molded or fabricated transparent material.

The invention has for a further object the provision of a sectional container adapted to be held in one hand, and the compartments of which may be selectively opened by movements of the one hand in which it is held. l

As an additionalobject my invention contemplates the provision of a sectional container especially suited to use by fishermen for carrying and making readily accessible under adverse circumstances an assortment of lures, such as flies or the like. l

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description Figs. 3 and 4 are respectively plan and side sectional viewsof the container'shown in Fig. 2 with the sections taken substantially on lines 3-3 and 4-4 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a part of the containerl shown in Figs. 1 to '4 inclusive;

Fig. 6 is a top plan view-ofv a container embodying my invention and illustrating a modification of the container structure;

Fig. 'I is an end sectional view'of the container structure shown in Fig. 6 with the section taken Y substantially on aline 1--1 of Fig. 6;

and the accompanying drawings, in which similar Fig. 8 is a side elevational view of the container shown in Fig. 6; and

Fig. 9 is an end sectional View similar to Fig. 7

but'illustrating another modified type of construc- 'tion for aj container embodying my. invention.-

In this specification the term oval is employed in its broad sense-'rather than any strict or mathematical sense--to describe those noncircular closed curvilinear gures of which the ellipse, the side elevation of a football, and the end elevation of a partially flattened cylinder, are common examples.`

Referred to Figs. 1 to 5 inclusive of the drawings, the container therein depicted is illustrated as being of a size and construction particularly suited to the carrying o f assorted nies by fishermen for ready accesswhile fishing. Although a container of the type shown might be made of various materials, the disclosed embodiment is preferably constructed of a transparent plastic material with the parts cemented together. Several features which are attributable to the disclosed-construction, particularly when made of a transparent plastic, are that itis light, strong,

durable, will iloat if it is dropped into the water,

asiassa to rwear or may get out of order and thereby cause unexpected dinlculties.

In the disclosed embodiment the container IU and I8 are cemented to the ends I2 and I3 of.

the container and to the intermediate partition I4. The other edges of the partitioning elements are desirably flush with the opposite longitudinal edges of the intermediate partition I4 at their positions of abutment therewith. Thus, the lateral partitioning elements determine the relative spacing of the ends I2 and I3 with respect to the intermediate partition I4 and brace those parts of the container structure, as well as coacting with the intermediate partition to divide the space between the container ends into compartments.

In the preferred construction the ends I2 and I3 are of the same size and shape while the intermediate partition is similar in shape but smaller than the ends by a uniform marginal amount. An inner covering wall I9 encompasses the intermediate longitudinal partition I4, extends across-the lateral partitioning elements, and extends laterally between the ends I2 and I3 with its opposite edges abuttingthose ends. This inner covering wall is secured by cementing or other suitable means to the intermediate partition, the lateral partitioning elements, and the inner surfaces of the container ends. In alignment with each of the compartments separated by the intermediate partition and lateral partitioning elements, the inner covering wall has an access opening 20, all of which openings are desirably in one face of the container.

At the outer edges of the outer surface of the inner covering wall I9, flange or edge strips 22 overlie the inner covering wall adjacent the ends I2 and I3 and extend inwardly a short distance insubstantially ilush relationship to the edges of the ends and are secured by cementing to both the ends and the inner covering wall. 'I'hese edge or ilange strips 22, togetherwith the outer surface of the inner covering wall I9, define a relatively shallow channel in which a exible belt-like outer cover 23 is mounted for longitudinal sliding movement relative to the ends and the inner covering wall.

For selectively opening single compartments of the container ne at a time, two laterally and longitudinallyjrced openings 24 and 25 are provided in th the openings on one side of the longitudinal partition I4 while the opening 25 is disposed for successive alignment with the openings 20 on the` other side of the longitudinal partition. With the preferred longitudinal separation of the openings 24 and 25, they are at relatively opposite 1ongitudinal positions with respect to the inner covthe belt-like cover are at opposite ends, and the belt-like outer cover 23. The open-` ing 24 is disposed for successive alignment with compartments of each row may be opened singly and separately.

As depicted in Fig. 1, a container of the type disclosed, when made in the proper size, may be held in one hand with the thumb and fingers gripping opposite sidesof the container along the opposite edges of the intermediate longitudinalk partition I3. With the container thus held the hand very well may be moved, while and by squeezing the container, in a manner such that the thumb moves in one direction along one side while the ngertips move in the opposite direction along the other side; and this relative movement of the thumb and fingers carries with it the flexible` belt-like outer cover to move that cover to a position in which a desired one of the openings 24 or 25 therein is aligned with a selected opening 20 so as to provide access to the def sired compartment of the container. Collapse of the container by the squeeze of the relatively moving thumb and fingers effectively is prevented by the intermediate longitudinal partition It which in turn derives adequate lateral support from the cross partitions I5, I6, Il and I8. Thus, its generally oval shape not only makes the container easy to carry in the pocket and easy to grip in the hand, but also stabilizes the position of the stationary parts of the container while the belt-like outer cover moves under linger manipulation.

If the container is constructed entirely of transparent plastic material, as is particularly desirable when it is utilized as a, ily box, any

desired fly may be pre-selected with `the box ,v closed and then obtained without difficulty by the 'K described one-handed loperation of the box.

The general structure and operation of the forms shown in Figs. 6, 7 and 8 are quite similar to those of the described form which is illustrated in Figs. 1 to 5 inclusive. However, the structure of this modified form is adapted to the integral molding of two similar and opposite halves 26 and 21 which part at a longitudinal central plane along the intermediate partition I4 and are secured together by fastening means such as cross screws 28 at opposite ends of the container. Considering the structure of the halves 26 and 21 of the container housing in more detail, ends 29 and 30 are molded integrally with the projecting halves of the inner covering wall I9. The ends 29 and 30 may be bowed outwardly and 'they desirably have at their. outer edge adjacent the inner wall I9 an integrally formed peripheral ange 32 recessed at 33 to serve as a guide `for one edge of the flexible belt-like outer cover 23. The inner surfaces of the inner wall I3 are grooved to provide shoulders 34 which abut and retain the intermediate partition I4 when the two halves are secured together. The lateral partitioning elements I5, I6, I'I and I8 are integrally formed with their respective ends and halves of the inner wall and abut the intermediate partition when assembled. When adapted to be secured together by fastening means such as the illustrated cross screws 28, each of the halves has an end portion 35 of increased section through which extends a lateral opening 36 for the accommodation of the screw. One of the halves of each associated pair has one end of the opening threaded as at 31 while the other half is countersunk to accommodate the head of the screw.

Although either of the forms thus far described is adapted to be carried in a pocket, it is-also Within the purview of the invention to provide means by which the container may be connected to a suitable cord and hung around the neck of the user. As shown in Figs. 6 and 48, an integrally formed projecting lug 39 at one end of each of the halves has a transverse opening- 40 therethrough for the accommodation of the cord.

The belt -like outer cover utilized with the form of container shown in Figs. 6 to 8 inclusive is desirably similar to that shown in Fig. 5. Likewise, the access openings 20 in the inner wall I9 are aligned with each of the compartments and bear a relation similar 4to that described with respect l tion I4 and also the lateral partitioning elements I5 and I6. Thus, the ends of the compartments open outwardly and oppositely and are covered by separately molded ends 42 and 43. The inner edges of the ends 42 and 43 are peripherally recessed to provide shoulders 44 against which the outer edges oi. the inner wall I9 are heldin the assembly and which are sufiiciently large to provide recesses for guiding the belt-like outer cover The ends 42 and 43 are held in assembled relation. relative to the integrally formed inner covering wall and partitions in a manner similar to that described with respect to the form shown in Figs. 6 to 8 inclusive. In this form the molded ends desirably include partitioning elements such as 4.5 which align with and abut the outer ends of the lateral partitioning elements such as I5 and I6 in the assembly in order to complete the separation of the compartments.

My concept of an ideal ily box is one which is not too large, is light in weight, conveniently may be carried in the pocket or suspended from the neck, may be opened and closed with one hand, enables the identiilcation of a to-be-selected ily with the box closed, exposes one compartment only-at a time, iloats if dropped into the water, is sufficiently strong that Ait will not break if the angler'falls on it, and is free from metal parts or springs to get out of order. The present invention provides such' a y box.

Having thus illustrated and described my invention, what I claim asnew and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States is: 1. A container comprising, in combination, substantially oval shaped ends, a substantially oval shaped intermediate partition smaller than said ends by a uniform marginal amount the longitudinal axes of said ends and intermediate partition being parallel and lying inv a plane, cross partitions spaced apart yandV spaced inwardly from the ends of said intermediate partition, said cross partitions extending from the intermediate partition to the ends in substantially parallel relationship to one another and substantially perpendicular to said longitudinal axes, the edges of said cross partitions being sub-1 4stantially flush with the edges of said interme.

ing wall closing the space between said partitions and ends, on one side thereof to form compartments and having openings therein on the other side of the partitions for access to the compartments, and a flexible and endless outer belt-like cover encompassing said inner coveringwall and extending laterally between said ends,-said outer belt-like cover being slidable around the inner covering wall and having spaced' openings therein adapted singly and selectively to align with the openings in the inner covering wall to open said compartments for access whenthe outer cover is moved.

2. A- container comprising, in combination, substantially oval shaped ends and an intermediate partition disposed in substantially parallel relationship to one another with their longitudinal axes in a common plane, said intermediate partition being smaller .than said ends by a uniform marginal amount and dividing the space between said ends into two sections, lateral partitioning means substantially perpendicular to said longitudinal axes and to said intermediate partition disposed between th'e ends of said intermediate partition for dividing at least one of said sections into compartments, said partition- -ing means having edges ush with opposite edges Aof the Aintermediate partition, an inner covering wall circumscribing the edges of the intermediatepartition and partitioning means and extending between said ends to cover said sections, said inner covering wall having spaced openings therein providing access to each of the sections and compartments separated by the partitioning means and intermediate partition, and a ilexible and endless belt-like cover encompassing and slidable around said inner covering wall, said beltlike cover extending laterally between the ends and having spaced openings therein adapted to align with the openings in the inner covering wall as the endless belt-like cover is moved rela-l tive to the inner covering wall. i

3. A container comprising, in combination, housing means including substantially oval shaped ends and transversely disposed partitioning means including Aan oval shaped longitudinal partitioning element dening two rows of compartments, and aninner covering wall-encompassing said compartments peripherally of the longitudinal partitioning element laterally between said ends and having therein access openings for each of the defined compartments, an`

endless belt-like outer cover encircling and slidable relative to the inner covering wall longitudinally of said ends, said belt-like outer cover having longitudinally and laterally displaced openings therein adapted selectively to align with `the openings in the inner covering wall during movement'of the belt-like outer cover.

4. A container comprising, in combination tween said ends and having therein access openings lfor each'of the dened compartments, .an

endless belt-like outer cover encircling and slidable relative to the inner covering wall longitudinally of said ends, said belt-like outer cover having longitudinally and laterally displaced openings therein' adapted selectively to align with the openings in the inner covering wall during ananas tainer being of a size adapted to be gripped in` one hand with one of said'ends adjacent the palm of the hand and the lingers and'thumb gripping opposite surfaces of the outer cover in substantial alignment with the longitudinal partitioning element.

5. A sectionalized container adapted to be made of transparent sheet plastic material and coxn prising substantially oval shaped end pieces and an intermediate partition disposed in parallel relationship, lateral partitions 'cemented at oppo site ends to one of the end pieces and theinter-` mediate partition and having edges flush with opposite edges of the intermediate partition, an inner covering wall encompassing and cemented to of oppositely disposed and similar end covers of substantially oval shape and a seetionalized intermediate part including integrallymolded walls dening rows of separate compartments on oppothe intermediate and lateralpartitions and extending laterally between said ends and cemented thereto, said inner covering wall having access openings therein on opposite sides of each of said partitions, and a exiblebelt-like outer cover encircling and slidable relative to the inner cover-'- ing wall longitudinally of the end pieces, said outer cover normally covering allof the openings in the inner covering wall and having laterally 'and longitudinally spaced vopenings therein adapted singly to align with the openings in the inner covering wall during movement of the outer cover.

6. A sectionalized container comprising a pair of moulded and oppositely'disposed side portions each including an oval -shaped end, an integral oval shaped shell projecting laterally outwardly from one side of the end, said end having an outer 1 ilange adjacent the outer surface of the shell,

spaced partitions intermediate the ends of said shelland perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said end, -said shell having access openings' therepartition, means holding'said side portions to- 1 gether in oppositely disposed relation against the intermediate partition to dene two rows of compartments between said vvends and on opposite l sides of the longitudinal partition, said shells and n adapted selectively to align with said access openings upon movement lof the beltil'ike cover.

7. A sectionalized container comprising a pair site sides of a longitudinal partition and opening outwardly in opposite directions, rows of acl cess apertures in said intermediate-part opening into said separate compartments on opposite sides of-said longitudinal partition, means holding said end covers against opposite sides of the intermediate part to cover the outwardly opening ends of said compartments, said end covers having outer edge anges dening a channel with said intermediate part, and a exible belt-like cover encircling the intermediate part and slidable in said channel longitudinally of the ends, said belt-like cover being adapted to cover all of said access apertures at one time and having openings therein adapted` to align with said apertures during movement oi the cover.

8. A fly box or other multi-compartment con tainer, capable of one-hand manipulation to open and close its compartments, comprising: a pair of spaced apart aligned oval end walls, an inner side wall extending around and between the opposed peripheries of said end walls, an intermediate oval wall lying between the end, walls and circumscribed by the inner side wall, a plurality of cross walls extending between the intermediate wall and each end wall to denne a plurality of compartments, openings in said inner wall through which access may be had to the several compartments, and an outer side wall in the form l of a belt lying between the end walls and moval in disposed in a row and on opposite sides of each l of said partitions, an intermediate longitudinal ble around and in immediate proximity to the inner side wall, said outer side wall having openings that are carried into and out of registry with said access openings when the outer side wall moves circumferentially with'respect to the in-` ner side wall under squeezing pressure that tends to liatten said side walls but is resisted by said intermediate wall and said cross walls.

' 9. An article as specified in claim 8in which the recited elements are formed of a substantially transparent plastic material.

10. An article as specified in claim 8 in which the end walls and the inner side wall dene a shallow endless channel in which the outer side wall lies and moves.

THORWALD HANSEN. 

